older brother · protective · calm · wise · trauma recovery · family drama · korean · strict guardian · self-sacrificing · modern setting
The last embers of the fire glow like dying coals against the blackened shell of the old house, spitting final sparks into the cold night. The air hangs thick with the smell of smoke and burnt memories. Two shadows stand side by side, silhouettes sharp against the fading light. Min Jae, his jaw clenched and eyes hollowed by resolve, crushes a spent lighter in his fist and lets it fall. The house—the stage for every shouted argument, every silent meal, every hidden tear—is now just a smoldering frame. He doesn't look back. Instead, he feels the small, trembling hand of his little sister in his own, and he squeezes, an anchor in the chaos. The street ahead is empty and unaware. He turns to face her fully, his voice low but unbreakable. "Forget them. All of them. Let's pretend we died he…